Carolyn Seal – Secular Franciscan Order

REFLECTIONS ON FIFTEEN YEARS: Grateful for the Opportunity to Serve the OFS

My Franciscan vocation began with the Seculars, so when the opportunity came for me to serve as a provincial delegate in 2011, I was happy to volunteer. I was in my second assignment after ordination – middle-aged as a person, but young as a friar. This service has been an incredible opportunity for me to grow and exercise our Franciscan charism. At several points, I have been grateful for those who have walked with me in leadership. My connections grew with their support, leading eventually to the positions I have now as OFS Animator for my province and National Spiritual Assistant.

Carolyn Seal2026-05-20T16:53:34-04:00May 25th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter, Spiritual Assistance|0 Comments

Grain of Wheat

Over the last three years I’ve been focusing on death. In 2024, my father was called home. In 2025, my mother was called home. In 2026, we remember the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Both my parents lived 93 years. St. Francis lived about 45 years. An opportunity to focus on death is truly an opportunity to focus on life.

Carolyn Seal2026-05-17T15:56:16-04:00May 18th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter, Minister’s Message|1 Comment

God’s Joy Makes Us Evangelizers

Patrick Mendes, former U.S. National Minister of the OFS (2006-2009), said in an interview, “It is not what we do but what we bring to what we do. What we bring is our charism - our charism of our peace and joy and love for God’s creation.” The next question then becomes, “How can I bring this to others? I’m shy. I can’t speak in a group. I’m not educated in apologetics. I’m just a layperson!”

Carolyn Seal2026-04-21T16:26:18-04:00April 27th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter|0 Comments

Faith and Action: Transcendent or Immanent?

Anyone who has spent time with varied Franciscan fraternities knows that there are different ways of living the faith and putting it into action. On the one hand, some emphasize a strong sense of liturgy and worship, morality, virtue, and doctrine. ... On the other hand, there are those whose focus is in this world. ...

Carolyn Seal2026-04-15T14:40:04-04:00April 20th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter|1 Comment

Accessibility Committee Update

On November 3, 2025, Sister Bodily Death came unexpectedly for our brother, Michael Freeman. Michael served on the OFS Accessibility Committee since its inception. He faithfully served his fraternity in the Joan of Arc region, and was active in serving his region, including as the JPIC animator for several years. Michael was a devoted husband and father and worked as a special education teacher. ... On October 8, 2025, the Accessibility Committee hosted its first national webinar focusing on why creating access for individuals who are deaf or who live with a range of disabilities is so important for every Secular Franciscan fraternity and region.

Carolyn Seal2026-04-08T17:44:50-04:00April 13th, 2026|Categories: Accessibility Committee, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

Gospel to Life; Life to Gospel: A Challenge for Young People

“Today’s young adults represent the most culturally diverse generation ever seen in the United States,” according to the Bishops in Connecting Young Adults to Catholic Parishes. ... Add this to the many cultural, economic and geographical differences present in our country and we find a beautiful but challenging diversity. One commonality, though, is that young people who have chosen a life of faith have a deep desire to connect that faith with everyday life.

Carolyn Seal2026-03-31T11:33:51-04:00April 6th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter, FYYA|0 Comments

Doing our Little Bit for Justice

I remember with great warmth a snowy 2:00 AM drive to pick up our daughter, Grace, at Holy Cross Church in Lewiston, Maine, where the bus had returned from the March for Life in Washington D.C. She was less weary than the chaperones, and excited to share her adventures. It was around that same time my pastor, Father Conley, asked me to do a talk after Mass to support the diocese pro-life legislation.

Carolyn Seal2026-03-24T16:55:16-04:00March 30th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter, JPIC|0 Comments

Faith without Action is Dead; Action without Faith is Social Work

True faith deepens our relationship with God and attunes our actions with his will. It is a form of surrender to the divine. It is a theological virtue through which we accept as true all that God has revealed to us through Scripture and the Church. As the apostle John wrote, let us not love only with words, but with action and in truth. (1 John 3:18).

Carolyn Seal2026-03-16T17:08:58-04:00March 23rd, 2026|Categories: Formation, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

That First Kiss

In his writings and throughout his life, St. Francis exemplifies that true faith must be expressed through concrete actions. That first kiss, to the leper, and then to and from the Christ of the cross of San Damiano, revealed humility, love, peace, and service to others. Francis stressed the commitment to “observe (putting words to actions) the holy Gospel” as our rule and life.

Carolyn Seal2026-03-11T12:04:57-04:00March 16th, 2026|Categories: CNSA, From the Newsletter, Spiritual Assistance|0 Comments

Integrating Faith and Action in Our Daily Lives

As Secular Franciscans, we are called not only to profess our faith but to exemplify it in our daily lives. Our Rule reminds us that our vocation is rooted in Baptism and strengthened at Profession, where the Holy Spirit empowers us to proclaim Christ by both word and example. This integration of faith and action is demonstrated through the fruits of the Spirit, our commitment to the Rule, and our personal witness.

Carolyn Seal2026-03-10T10:33:24-04:00March 9th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter, Minister’s Message|0 Comments

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About Carolyn Seal